Electric Scout SUV and ute slated for 2026 arrival, will be built in South Carolina
VOLKSWAGEN has announced that its all-electric Scout SUV and pick-up duo will be manufactured at a dedicated $US2 billion ($A2.8b) facility in South Carolina, USA.
Production of the revived International Harvester nameplate is said to create 4000 jobs with as many as 200,000 vehicles being produced annually at the 648 hectare facility.
The Scout range is set to go on sale in 2026, competing with off-roaders including the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and others of their ilk, as well as the Rivian R1T and R1S.
Volkswagen’s board of management said the Blythewood facility will expand the German brand’s US electric vehicle production capacity, the Scout joining the ID.4 that is manufactured in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Other EVs, including a full-size SUV, will be built in Chattanooga over the coming years, with Volkswagen also saying it will need a premium electric production facility in the region within a few years.
“This moment is so important not only for Scout Motors, but also for America,” said Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh via LinkedIn.
“After three years of supply chain disruptions and unpredictability in manufacturing, this is the moment American ingenuity is being put back into action.
“As a benefactor of this moment, Scout is proud to join the push to revitalise manufacturing in America.”
Last May, Volkswagen announced that it will spend over $US7.1 billion ($A9.9b) in North America over five years to “boost its production portfolio, regional research and development, and manufacturing capabilities,” in the region.
Scout vehicles will ride on a new electric platform designed in Germany. However, Scout Motors will largely remain a separate entity from Volkswagen’s US corporate structure with its own distribution network.
“What started in 1960 comes full circle today. Scout is once again reimagining the adventures that an off-road vehicle can deliver, only this time, it’s with an all-electric platform,” said Mr Keogh.
“Today, we are closer than ever to putting an important American icon on the road. Scout has always been the vehicle that takes your family camping and shows up on the job site every morning. This is not changing.
“Scout’s versatility remains intact, and America’s love of driving will be revived.”
Scout teased the frontal design for its new range (pictured) over the weekend with the launch of its new website. Declaring “The world needs Scouts”, the site gives an insight into the branding and design of the range, the vehicle’s familiar upright frontal treatment recalling classic Scout models.
To complement the website, Scout Motors also launched the Scout Community forum which allows company team members to interact with enthusiasts and where future events and appearances will be announced.
“The Scout enthusiast community has preserved the Scout heritage. Since 1980, these owners and fans have kept Scout alive,” said Mr Keogh.
“We’re excited to be part of the community and want to foster interaction and exchange as we reimagine this American icon.
“We started this forum to nurture an open dialogue with our community members, to hear what they expect in all-new Scout vehicles, and to build a central location where past, present and future Scout enthusiasts can come together as one.”
Keyword: VW locks in US location for Scout production